One of my favorite holiday traditions is having a Christmas movie night! There are so many fun Christmas movies (Home Alone 1 & 2, Love Actually, Christmas Vacation, A Christmas Story, Elf, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Santa Clause, The Holiday, Miracle on 34th Street, It’s a Wonderful Life, Jingle All the Way, etc.) and I just love any excuse for holiday cheer — and what Christmas movie marathon would be complete without a mug of hot cocoa!?
I’m a total sucker for a holiday mug — this is mine (pictured above), but I also love this one, this one, and this one.
This is the hot cocoa that we make every year
— I always thought it was my mom’s bespoke recipe, but as it turns out it’s just the recipe on the back of the cocoa powder box. 🤣
Classic Hot Cocoa
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup milk
2 tbsp cocoa powder
2 tbsp sugar
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
pinch of salt
DIRECTIONS:
Mix cocoa, sugar and salt in large mug. Heat milk in microwave on high (100%) for 1-1/2 minutes or until hot. Gradually add milk to cocoa mixture; stir well. Stir in vanilla.
So, I have found that most recipes are for hot chocolate instead of hot cocoa… the only difference is melting chocolate into milk / using chocolate syrup vs. using chocolate-y cocoa powder. In addition to the above recipe, I wanted to share other fun twists on the classic that I can’t wait to try!
Nutella Hot Chocolate
(boozy version)
Red Velvet Hot Chocolate
(boozy version)
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
(boozy version)
Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate
(boozy version)
Vanilla Cinnamon Hot Chocolate
(boozy version)
If you really want to go the extra mile, you can even make your own homemade marshmallows! I personally opted for the classic Jet-Puffed variety from the store this year, but maybe someday I’ll get ambitious and make my own! (I also prefer the big, puffy marshmallows over the tiny ones 😅).
I’d love it if you shared your favorite holiday tradition in the comments; I think it’s so cool to hear how others enjoy the Christmas holiday. Now, please excuse me while I begin my Christmas movie marathon. 😉
Sending hugs!
xx, Natalie
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